Celtics Dominate Knicks 115-93 in Game 3

The Boston Celtics finally found their shooting touch Saturday night, routing the New York Knicks 115-93 in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series at Madison Square Garden to cut the Knicks’ lead to 2-1.

After blowing 20-point leads in both Games 1 and 2 in Boston, the Celtics built another large advantage but this time maintained their dominance throughout, silencing the raucous New York crowd and keeping their championship hopes alive.

Boston’s Three-Point Barrage Returns

The Celtics, who had shot a frigid 25% from beyond the arc in the first two games of the series, rediscovered their shooting form that made them one of the NBA’s most potent offenses during the regular season. Boston connected on 20 of 40 three-point attempts in Game 3, a dramatic improvement that proved decisive, according to ESPN.

The hot shooting started early, with Boston going 6-for-7 from three-point range in the first quarter alone, helping them build a 36-20 lead. By the second half, the Celtics had amassed a lead that reached 31 points—too large even for the comeback-minded Knicks to overcome.

Tatum Leads Balanced Attack

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics’ balanced offensive attack, showcasing his all-around game by knocking down crucial three-pointers and creating scoring opportunities for teammates. The Celtics also benefited from improved ball movement, which generated numerous open looks against a Knicks defense that had stifled them in Boston.

“After a pair of absolutely frigid jump-shooting performances through the first two games, Boston was bound to look like itself at some point in this series,” noted one NBA analyst. The Celtics’ offensive explosion effectively took the Knicks and the Madison Square Garden crowd out of the game early.

Series Momentum Shifts

The convincing victory gives Boston renewed confidence heading into Game 4, scheduled for Monday night at Madison Square Garden. Despite still trailing in the series, the defending champion Celtics have shown they can regain the form that made them favorites to return to the NBA Finals, according to NBA.com.

For the Knicks, the loss represents a missed opportunity to take a commanding 3-0 lead that would have been nearly insurmountable. New York had thrilled fans with incredible comeback victories in the first two games, but couldn’t replicate that magic when faced with Boston’s improved shooting and execution.

Looking Ahead to Game 4

The key question now becomes whether the Knicks can develop a new approach to contain Boston’s three-point shooting while maintaining their own offensive efficiency. Through the first three games of the series, New York has yet to lead at halftime or at the end of three quarters, relying instead on late-game heroics.

“Can the Knicks keep pace through the first three quarters, and finally avoid a 20-point deficit, to still be in contention and make use of their instincts in the clutch?” wondered one observer, highlighting the adjustment New York may need to make before Monday’s critical Game 4 matchup.